Recommended by Nelson Diaz-Marcano

More holidays plays from other cultures are needed. Period.
Juan Ramirez Jr. provides a perfect one right here, by transporting us into a Caribbean house and giving us a glimpse not only into their customs, but what family means as we evolve. Through happiness and tradition he tells a tale of what it is to want to keep a little bit of you each year when everything seems to be trying to take that away. A heart wrenching yet uplifting work that will fit great in stages everywhere during the holidays season.

How do we exist in a land that rejects us? How do we love when we have to choose between identities to do so? How can the enemy be your own home? These are the questions I think about as I read Davila's incredible examination of what US/Mexico border life is, not outside the politics, but with them in the background, humanity upfront. Building from its first part, and ending it with an eye toward the future, Davila provides a strong chapter to his trilogy.

An incredibly rich yet simple play that spotlights Barbot's skills when it comes into turning a familiar and friendly tale into a complex exploration of who we are and where we come from. This play oozes charm, the characters are vivid and fun, and the message is loud and clear without being heavy handed. A must for young audiences, and a powerful reminder for adults.

A farce with not just a lot of heart, but with complex explorations of what love means. Love as a friend, as a mentor, as a daughter, as a lover, or as a partner, all get their time in this piece without ever feeling like they are the focus of it all. That is because David manages to embed these musings within a farcical romp that will have you laughing from start to finish.

As I write my own personal piece, I can’t help but to be inspired to dig deeper, motivated to open wider, and safe doing so because of what Philip has done with the his play. Beautiful, heartbreaking, and reflective, this is a gorgeous short that will stay with you for a long time

Asher mastery of the monologue in its full display in this piece where not only did I groan out loud several times, but also felt in love with every Burts. He made me love a person that in real life I would certainly dislike!

A fun exploration of how the expectations we put on ourselves could keep us away from living a life we love.

Alisha Espiniosa is not here to play. "Evolve" keeps progressing toward places that are not expected, yet never feel out of place. The themes of sex as a liberating and enslaving concept are dissected here through a mixture of religious guilt and fantasy rage. Mixing those together in one bottle made not work in many places, but what Alisha does here is make magic with it. And we are the lucky ones that get to enjoy it.

A strong absurdist play which stands as both a tribute to the masters of yesteryears and as a bold new work that challenges our perception of our place in this world. Franky takes an old work like Ionesco Rhinoceros and turns it over, gives it a lift, and creates a new classic in the process.

Oh man, there’s not much I can say that haven’t been said about this highly recommended play besides that there’s a good reason it has these many recommendations. The work is brilliant, unique and will make many a season if theater knows what’s good.